Sunday, October 9, 2016

SWAMI PUSHKARINI – THE DIVINE TEMPLE TANK

Tirumala, 9 October 2016: The Swami Pushkarini, the divine temple tank located on the northern side of the Srivari temple is one of the star attractions for the devotees that throng the hill shrine of Tirumala.

DESCRIPTION:

Spread over one and half acres the Pushkarini has a mandapam in the middle known as “Neerata Mandapam”, built by the Saluva King Narasimha Raya in 1468. Later the saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya got the steps built up to the mid of the mandapam. The Swami Pushkarini is one of the three crore odd holy thirthas which are believed to have located on the green cover of Tirumala hill range.

GARUDA BRINGS SWAMI PUSHKARINI FROM VAIKUNTHAM TO BHULOKAM

Legends say that the Swami Pushkarani was originally based in Vaikuntam-the dwelling of Lord Vishnu, but was transported by Garuda to earth for use of His Master who came to earth in search of His consort Mahalakshmi and settle here as Venkateswara Swamy in Kaliyuga. Bathing at Swami Pushkarini is considered very holy equal to bathing in the holy River Ganga.

PUSHKARINI HARATI

Pushkarini has a pivotal role in the traditions and rituals of Tirumala as per Vaikhanasa Agama practices. The harathi or puja of the pushkarini has its roots in the inscriptions of 12th century and also that the practice commenced from the days of Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara kingdom on his special directions. As part of the revival of the traditions the TTD has taken up the practice of offering harathi to the Pushkarini every day in the evening.

STATE OF ART RECYCLING OF WATERS BY TTD

The water of Swamy Pushkarini is scientifically treated by a state-of-the-art recycling facility. TTD has set up filters and state of the art drains in the Pushkarini since 1972. Pushkarini water is drained at regular intervals and refilled with fresh water that emerged from its springs. TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao says that TTD has been showcasing the Swami Pushkarani as one of iconic brand Tirumala monuments. ”The rich and hoary significance of the pushkarani has made it a land mark structure in the entire devotional legacy of the country”.